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Graduate Certificate in Theoretical Statistics and Probability

Statistics and probability play a vital role in almost all employment areas. This certificate will provide you with the theory that underpins statistical inference and probability, ensuring that you’re equipped to understand the assumptions and limitations of a range models. It will provide the thorough understanding of the theory you need to underpin your work as a professional statistician.

Course Summary

Certificate

Course code: S04

Credits

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details

This certificate has one stage, comprising 60 credits. It consists of two compulsory 30-credit modules at OU level 3.

Stage 1 (60 credits)

In these two 30-credit modules – which you can take in any order or together – you’ll learn how to develop probability models for practical situations, including random processes, and investigate the properties of the model. You’ll study the mathematical theory underlying the methods and concepts used in practical statistical analyses – covering distribution theory; classical inference, including maximum likelihood estimation; Bayesian statistics; and linear modelling.


Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
Applications of probability (M343)	30
Mathematical statistics (M347)	30

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. The Graduate Certificate in Theoretic Statistics and Probability uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

studying a mixture of printed and online material – online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
using and producing diagrams and screenshots
undertaking practical work
using specialist software

If you feel you may need additional support with any of the elements above, visit our disability page to find more about what we offer. Please contact us as soon as possible to discuss your individual requirements, so we can put arrangements in place before you start.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

On completion

On completion of this undergraduate course, we'll award you the Graduate Certificate in Theoretical Statistics and Probability.

Recognition in your country

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Essential Documents website.

Graduate Certificate in Theoretical Statistics and Probability

Entry requirements

You must have an undergraduate degree with a substantial amount of mathematical and/or statistical content.

You need a high degree of mathematical competence in the following areas:

logarithmic and exponential functions
calculus (including Taylor series)
algebra (including manipulation of inequalities)
matrices

In addition, you’ll need a working knowledge of the following statistical topics:

histograms and scatterplots
normal, Poisson and binomial distributions
the central limit theorem
point estimation
maximum likelihood estimation
conﬁdence intervals
hypothesis testing
simple linear regression
correlation

If you meet these entry requirements and wish to study this qualification, download the application form.

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

An OU qualification will always help you stand out from the crowd, now and in the future – whether you’re just starting out, developing your career, or changing direction entirely.

Skills for career development

Statistics is important for everyday problem solving and decision making. This certificate will equip you with the important mathematical underpinning for statistical methods, so you’ll have the theoretical knowledge to prepare you for work as a statistician. Applications of probability theory include patterns of events that occur in both time, such as earthquakes; and space, for example the occurrence of a species of plant; together with areas such as genetics and changes in stock market prices.

Career relevance

Qualified statisticians are in great demand in the workplace – in particular, those with the theoretical underpinning to ensure the correct analysis is undertaken are in short supply in all areas, including the sciences, economics, education, engineering, environmental studies, finance, government statistics, logistics, medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice, including: online forums, website, interview simulation and vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime, if you want to do some research around where this qualification might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your qualification):

actuary
business analyst
business manager
climate scientist
data scientist

environmental scientist
financial consultant
health professional
marketing professional
meteorologist

policy maker
research analyst
sport scientist
teacher

Want to see more jobs? Use the career explorer for job ideas from the National Careers Service, PlanIT Plus in Scotland and Prospects across all nations. You can also visit GradIreland for the Republic of Ireland.

Find out where this course can take you

Register

Registration on this course is now closed. For academic year 2017/18, registration opens in early March.

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Graduate Certificate in Theoretical Statistics and Probability

Course Summary

Certificate

Course details

Stage 1 (60 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

Recognition in your country

Regulations

Entry requirements

How much time do I need?

How much will it cost in England?

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now?

Was it achieved in the last 5 years?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Exploring your options

Register

Download a brochure

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Degree subjects

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The Open University

Course details

Stage 1 (60 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

On completion

Recognition in your country

Regulations

Entry requirements

How much time do I need?

Your next step

How much will it cost in England?

Ways to pay for your qualification and other support

How many credits are you planning to study per year?

Do you already hold a degree?

Was your previous degree in the same subject you wish to study now?

Was it achieved in the last 5 years?

Are you employed?

Are you a member of British Forces Posted Overseas?

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Exploring your options

Register

Download a brochure

Bachelor degrees

Masters degrees

Degree subjects

Change language

Connect with us

Grundständige Studiengänge

Masterstudiengange

Grad

Sprache ändern

Connect with us

Where do you live?